TP-Link TL-WA854RE User manual

User Guide
300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender
TL-WA854RE
REV4.0.0 1910012743

Contents
About This Guide.........................................................................................................1
Chapter 1. Get to Know About Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
1. 1. Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. 2. Appearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1. 2. 1.LED Explanation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1. 2. 2.Port and Button Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Chapter 2. Set Up Internet Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2. 1. Power On the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. 2. Set Up the Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. 2. 1.Method 1: Via the WPS Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. 2. 2.Method 2: Via the TP-Link Tether App. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2. 2. 3.Method 3: Via a Web Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Chapter 3. Customize Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. 1. Check Internet Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3. 2. Configure Wireless Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3. 3. Change LAN Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3. 4. Adjust Wi-Fi Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3. 5. Set Access Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 4. Manage Your Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4. 1. Set Up System Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4. 1. 1.To get system time:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4. 1. 2.To set up Daylight Saving Time: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4. 2. Control LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4. 3. Power Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4. 4. Upgrade the Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4. 5. Backup and Restore Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4. 6. Reboot Your Extender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4. 7. Change Login Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4. 8. System Log. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
FAQ ................................................................................................................................31

1
About This Guide
This guide is a complement to Quick Installation Guide. The Quick Installation Guide
provides instructions for quick internet setup, while this guide contains details of each
function and demonstrates how to configure them.
Features available in the extender may vary by model and software version. Extender
availability may also vary by region or ISP. All images, steps, and descriptions in this
guide are only examples and may not reflect your actual extender experience.
Conventions
In this guide the following conventions are used:
Convention Description
Underlined Underlined words or phrases are hyperlinks and You can click to redirect to a website or
a specific section.
Teal Contents to be emphasized and texts on the web page are in teal, including the menus,
items, buttons, and so on.
>
The menu structures to show the path to load the corresponding page. For example,
Advanced > Wireless > MAC Filtering means the MAC Filtering function page is under the
Wireless menu that is located in the Advanced tab.
Note: Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device.
Tips: Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your device.
symbols on the web
page
• click to edit the corresponding entry.
• click to delete the corresponding entry.
*Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard
802.11 specifications. Actual wireless data throughput and wireless coverage per
ft2are not guaranteed and will vary as a result of 1) environmental factors, including
building materials, physical objects, and obstacles, 2) network conditions, including
local interference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network complexity,
and network overhead, and 3) client limitations, including rated performance, location,
connection quality, and client condition.
More Info
The latest software, management app and utility are available from the Download
Center at www.tp-link.com/support.
The Quick Installation Guide can be found where you find this guide or inside the
package of the range extender.
Specifications can be found on the product page at http://www.tp-link.com.

2
TP-Link Community is provided for you to discuss our products and share knowledge at
https://community.tp-link.com.
Our Technical Support contact information can be found at Contact Technical Support
page at www.tp-link.com/support.

Chapter 1
Get to Know About Your
Extender
This chapter introduces what the extender can do and its appearance.
It contains the following sections:
• Product Overview
• Appearance

4
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Extender
1. 1. Product Overview
Bring Dead Zones Back to Life
Tired of Wi-Fi “dead zones”? The TP-Link extender is connected to your router
wirelessly, strengthening its signal and expanding its coverage into areas that could not
otherwise be reached. The device also reduces signal interference to ensure reliable
Wi-Fi coverage throughout your home or office.
Easy Installation & Quick Position
The extender works with any standard wireless router. Instantly connect the extender
to a router by pressing the router’s WPS button (if available) followed by the extender’s
WPS button. Alternatively, follow the Quick Setup instructions on the extender’s web
management page.
Once the extender is connected to a router, you can relocate it to your preferred location
with no further configuration required. The intelligent signal light can help to find the
best location.
Easy Management with the Tether APP
Tether provides a simple, intuitive way to access and manage your extender with your
smart devices.
1. 2. Appearance
Note: The provided plug may differ from the picture due to different regional power specifications. The
European version is used for demonstration in this User Guide.

5
Chapter 1 Get to Know About Your Extender
1. 2. 1. LED Explanation
You can check the extender’s working status by following the LED Explanation table.
Name Status Indication
RE
On/Off The extender is connected or not connected to your router’s
wireless network.
Blinking WPS connection is in progress.
Wireless On/Off The extender’s wireless function is enabled or disabled.
Power
On/Off The extender is on or off.
Blinking The system is starting up or firmware upgrade is progress.
(Signal Strength)
On/Off Indicates the Wi-Fi connection between the extender and the
router. More lit LEDs indicates a better signal strength.
1. 2. 2. Port and Button Description
Ports or Buttons Description
(WPS Button)
Press the WPS button on your host router, and immediately press the button
on the extender for 1 second. The RE LED of the extender should change from
blinking to solid on, indicating successful WPS connection.
RESET Button With the extender powered on, use a pin to press the RESET button for 1
second. The extender will reset and reboot.
Note: Make sure the device is being used within 0-40℃and stored within -40-70℃.

Chapter 2
Set Up Internet Connection
This chapter informs you how to boost your host wireless coverage. Please follow the
step-by-step instructions to set up the internet connection.
It contains the following sections:
• Power On the Extender
• Position Your Extender

7
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
2. 1. Power On the Extender
Plug the extender into an electrical outlet near your host router, and then wait until the
Power LED turns solid on.
Note: For safety, we suggest that you plug the extender in upright directions as shown below.
Wait until the Power and
Wireless LEDs turns solid on.
2. 2. Set Up the Extender
There are three ways to connect to the host network: via the WPS button, via a web
browser, or via the Tether app.
2. 2. 1. Method 1: Via the WPS Button
Use this way if your router has a WPS button. The button might look like one of these:
.
1. Press the WPS button on your host router, and then press the WPS button on the
extender for 1 second within 2 minutes.
Note:
For more information about using WPS button on your host router, please refer to the router’s user
guide.
2. Wait until the Signal LED changes from blinking to solid on, indicating successful
connection.
Note:
If the LED does not turn solid on, try again or refer to Method 2: Via the TP-Link Tether App or Method
3: Via a Web Browser.

8
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
3. The extender uses your router’s network name with _EXT at the end and shares the
same password as your router.
Extended Network Name:
Router’s network name with
_EXT at the end
Password:
Same as your router‘s
Note:
If you want to customize the extended network name, refer to Configure Wireless Network.
4. Relocate your extender for optimal Wi-Fi coverage and performance.
1 ) Plug in the extender about halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone.
The location you choose must be within the range of the host network.
2 ) Wait for about 2 minutes until the Signal LED turns solid on. If not, relocate the
extender closer to the router to achieve better signal quality.
Router Devices
Halfway
≥ 3 LEDs light up
Good
Best
Bad
Good
Tips:
To minimize signal interference, please choose a location which is far away from Bluetooth devices and
other household electronic devices, such as cordless phones, microwave ovens and baby monitors.
5. Enjoy! Connect to the extended network and enjoy internet.
2. 2. 2. Method 2: Via the TP-Link Tether App
1. Launch the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search TP-Link Tether or simply
scan the QR code to download and install the app.
OR
2. Go to Wi-Fi Settings and connect your device to the extender’s wireless network:
TP-Link_Extender.

9
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
CHOOSE A NETWORK...
Other...
< Settings
TP-Link_Extender
3. Launch Tether and select your extender from the Local Device list.
4. Create a password for future logins.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the configuration.
Tips:
1. For more intuitive location assistance, access extender settings via Tether and go to Tools > Location
Assistant.
2. You can also manage your extender via Tether, such as controlling LEDs, sharing the password of your
network and blocking devices.

10
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
2. 2. 3. Method 3: Via a Web Browser
1. Connect your computer to the extender wirelessly as follows:
• For Windows Users
3 ) Unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer (if any).
4 ) Click the Wi-Fi icon on the task bar and connect to the extender’s network:
TP-Link_Extender.
Connections are available
Wireless Network Connection
Connect automatically Connect
√
TP-Link_Extender
MyHome
• For Mac OS X Users
1 ) Unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer (if any).
2 ) Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of the screen, and connect to the
extender’s network: TP-Link_Extender.
Wi-Fi: On
Tu rn Wi-Fi O
MyHome
Join Other Network...
Create Network...
Open Network Preferences...
TP-Link_Extender
2. Follow the instructions of Quick Setup Wizard to connect the extender to your host
router.
1 ) Launch a web browser, enter http://tplinkrepeater.net or http://192.168.0.254
in the address field, create a password for future logins, and click Start.

11
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
Note:
If the login window does not appear, please refer to FAQ.
2 ) Select your host router’s 2.4GHz SSID (network name), enter its password (NOT
the password you just created for logins), and click Next.
3 ) Confirm the password of your 2.4GHz host network to make sure your extended
network have internet access. If the password is right, click CONFIRM.

12
Chapter 2 Set Up Internet Connection
4 ) Either keep the default SSID (network name) or customize it for the extended
network, and then click NEXT.
5 ) Follow web instructions to relocate your extender for optimal Wi-Fi coverage
and performance, then click DONE .
6 ) Enjoy! Connect to the extended network and enjoy internet.

Chapter 3
Customize Your Network
This chapter guides you on how to configure network settings that are available for this
extender.
It contains the following sections:
• Check Internet Status
• Configure Wireless Network
• Change LAN Settings
• Adjust Wi-Fi Coverage
• Set Access Control

14
Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
3. 1. Check Internet Status
You can view the internet status of your extender to check whether you have successfully
set up the extended network(s).
1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Network Map to view the internet status of your extender.
• The extender is functioning normally.
• The extender is not connected to the host network. Please go to Wireless to
check whether the host network passwords are correct. If the problem still exists,
relocate the extender closer to the router to achieve better signal quality.
• The extender is connected to the host network, but is not transmitting data. Please
check your router’s internet connection.
• The extender is connected to the router abnormally. Please go to Settings >
Network and try setting your extender to obtain an IP address automatically.
Click the Internet/Router/Range Extender/Clients icon to view the corresponding
information.

15
Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
3. 2. Configure Wireless Network
If you want to extend another host network after Quick Setup, you can refer to this
section. Moreover, you can change the wireless settings for your extended network.
Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
• To extend another host network:
1. Go to Wireless and locate the Connect to Host Network section.
2. Click WIRELESS SCANNER to find all available networks.
3. Select the host network you want to extend.
Note:
If the network you want to extend is on but not listed, please try the following steps.
1. Move the extender closer to your router, and click Refresh in the top-right corner of the list.
2. You can manually enter the parameters of the network you want to extend, and click SAVE .
4. Once a host network is selected, the SSID and security type will be automatically
filled in. If the selected network is encrypted, enter the password in the Password
field.
5. Click SAVE.
• To change the wireless network name (SSID):
1. Go to Wireless and locate the Extended Network section.

16
Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
2. Create a new SSID in Extended 2.4GHz SSID or click COPY HOST SSID. The value is
case-sensitive.
3. Click SAVE.
4. Click Sharing Network to save the picture of SSID, password and QR code for quickly
sharing network.
Note:
If you have changed the wireless settings via a wireless device, you will be disconnected after the settings
are applied. Please write down the new SSID for future use.
• To hide the SSID of the extended network:
1. Go to Wireless and locate the Extended Network section.
2. Select Hide SSID broadcast, and the corresponding SSID will not be displayed when
wireless devices scan for local wireless networks. Devices must join the network
manually in order to connect.
3. Click SAVE.
3. 3. Change LAN Settings
The extender is preset with a default LAN IP 192.168.0.254, with which you can log in to
the web management page. The LAN IP address, together with the Subnet Mask, also
defines the subnet that the connected devices are on. If the IP address conflicts with

17
Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
another device on your local network or your network requires a specific IP subnet, you
can change it.
1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > Network.
3. Select Use the following IP address.
4. Enter a new IP address as needed and leave the Subnet Mask as the default settings.
5. Enter the gateway that is in the same subnet as the IP Address. The gateway is usually
the LAN IP address of your extender.
6. Leave the primary and secondary DNS addresses as the default settings.
7. Click SAVE.
3. 4. Adjust Wi-Fi Coverage
You can set the extender’s Wi-Fi coverage depending on how large you want your Wi-Fi
area to be.
1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Wi-Fi Coverage.
3. Select Maximum Coverage, Intermediate Coverage or Minimum Coverage to adjust
your Wi-Fi coverage of the extender.

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Chapter 3 Customize Your Network
4. Click SAVE.
3. 5. Set Access Control
Access Control allows you to permit or block specific devices from accessing internet
for a specific period.
1. Visit http://tplinkrepeater.net, and log in with the password you set for the extender.
2. Go to Settings > Advanced Settings > Access Control.
3. Enable Access Control.
• To block specific device(s):
1. Select Blacklist.